England wasted a number of chances in both games and their defence collapsed when facing pacy attacks.

Hodgson has seen enough in the two games for him to believe that brighter times are around the corner.

The England manager has been particularly pleased with the performances of the young players who were representing their country at a major tournament for the first time.

"I think that bodes well for the future," Hodgson said. "I believe England have a very strong basis for a team, it's very young.

"These players within the space of two years will play in the Premier League and they will get better and stronger as an England team.

"I have never doubted this team will become stronger and better, and we will just for the moment have to suck on this very bitter pill that our hopes and dreams have been floundered here because we were unable to win the games."